HOUSTON, TX – A tragic accident involving a major trucking company’s driver has sparked outrage and legal action after revelations that the driver was allegedly distracted by his phone moments before the crash. The incident, which resulted in the death of Tracy Bozek, a Tomball resident, raises serious concerns about safety practices within the trucking industry.
The crash occurred on May 22nd on I-35 in central Texas when Barry Goldstein, a driver for J.B. Hunt Transport, collided with Bozek’s stalled SUV. According to Houston attorney Matt Greenberg, forensic evidence suggests that Goldstein was taking screenshots and interacting with a dating app at the time of the accident. Bozek, a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, succumbed to her injuries, leaving her family devastated.
Records obtained by Greenberg’s team reveal a troubling history of distracted driving on Goldstein’s part. In the weeks preceding the fatal crash, he had been counseled by the company for similar behavior, including eating while driving without hands on the wheel. Despite these warnings, the company’s response has come under scrutiny.
The civil lawsuit, recently amended, details the moments leading up to the crash. It alleges that Goldstein was not only using his phone but also engaged with his Apple Watch and reviewing Facebook dating app screenshots. Greenberg argues that had Goldstein been attentive, he might have avoided the collision with Bozek’s vehicle.
The Bozek family has filed a lawsuit against both Goldstein and J.B. Hunt Transport, one of the nation’s largest trucking companies. The company has denied all allegations, suggesting that both the victim and their driver were at fault. However, Greenberg insists that J.B. Hunt had multiple opportunities to address Goldstein’s distracted driving habits but failed to act decisively.
Further scrutiny of company records shows that Goldstein was flagged by a truck detection system for distracted driving on at least six occasions. One report indicates that, just weeks before the accident, Goldstein was reported to have been driving with his knees, diverting his attention from the road.
Greenberg emphasizes the responsibility of the trucking company to enforce stricter safety measures. He argues that the Bozek family deserves justice and accountability for their loss. The case underscores the critical need for the trucking industry to prioritize safety and address dangerous driving behaviors.
As the legal proceedings continue, the Bozek family hopes that their case will bring about changes that prevent future tragedies. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for the policies and practices governing commercial driving.